Recruitment

We Need Volunteers!

The Alta Fire Protection District invites residents of all experience levels to volunteer and learn new skills and self-reliance while giving back to their community. The District is accepting applications for all volunteer positions, including Volunteer Firefighter, Medical Responder, Cadet, Water-Tender Operator, Support Staff, and the Ladies Auxiliary.

Volunteer Firefighters are always needed, and full training will be provided in cooperation with Placer County Fire and Cal Fire. New recruits will attend the up-coming Placer County Volunteer Fire Academy with members of other area fire departments. This is a demanding position requiring several months of fire and EMS training and a large commitment. Volunteer firefighters must be physically fit, live within a reasonable distance of the Alta station, attend weekly training sessions, and be able to respond to emergencies as on a regular basis. A physical is required (paid for by the district) and uniforms and personal protective equipment are provided.

The Alta Fire Protection District is in the process of establishing an Intern Program for qualified firefighters to assist in staffing the station during the week when most of our volunteers are out of the area on their full-time jobs. Interns will be required to fulfill a set number of shifts per month in exchange for advanced-level fire training.

The position of Medical Responder is a new facet to the department developed to attract volunteers who either already have a background in the medical field or would like to be trained to respond to medical emergencies only. Medical Responders will receive Basic First Aid and CPR training, plus learn how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED). They will respond in the patrol vehicle and do not need a special driver’s license, but will receive emergency vehicle training. Uniforms are provided and EMT training is available to qualified applicants.

Non-Firefighter Water Tender Operator is another new position for the fire district. Currently we have a shortage of experienced, qualified drivers for our water tender (tank truck). These volunteer operators respond to fire incidents where fire hydrants are not available. Water Tender Operators are trained for basic fire scene safety and are equipped with protective gear to operate on any fire incident. This position is intended for well-qualified truck drivers wishing to serve their community by providing their special skills to the fire district without becoming fully trained volunteer firefighters.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has been established to assist the department with disaster preparedness, community outreach and non-emergency support. CERT members are required to complete a 20-hour Basic CERT training course as well as additional training in emergency shelter management from the American Red Cross. The CERT team trains monthly to maintain their skills and involvement.

Support Staff and the Ladies Auxiliary provide a less demanding, but just as important contribution to the department. Support members can assist with many routine duties such as fundraising, maintenance and administrative tasks. Support volunteers also have the opportunity to attend First Aid and CPR training and may assist with emergency functions in a non-emergency capacity.

The main function of the Ladies Auxiliary is running The Attic, a thrift store in the historic fire station building next door to the Alta fire station. The Attic is open Thursdays from 10 am – 1 pm and all proceeds go directly to the firefighters to supplement training, equipment and other needs beyond the District’s budget. The Attic also provides a much-utilized service in Alta, recycling clothing, toys, books and household goods in the community and providing a low-cost shopping experience for those who need it. Sorting and stocking donations takes up most of the Auxiliary’s volunteer hours and a lot of effort goes into three hours of operation every week. The Attic needs volunteers to keep this service going for the community and is in danger of closing without more Auxiliary members.

The Alta Fire Protection District will accept applications for any of the above positions at any time. For more information on volunteering with the Alta Fire Protection District, please contact (530) 389-8244.